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Mauritania Visa for United States Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

US citizens can apply for a Mauritania e-Visa online via the official portal at https://www.mauritania.mr/; typical processing is 3–5 business days, the e-Visa is usually single-entry for 30 days, with approximate fees around USD 60–90 (local MRU 20,000–30,000).

Guide last updated September 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry; at least two blank pages recommended.
  • Specific forms: no DS-160 or separate Mauritania paper forms required; complete the online e-Visa application on the official portal at https://www.mauritania.mr/.
  • Financial proof: not required to submit bank statements for the e-Visa; ensure you have funds sufficient for your stay.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: provide details of accommodation in Mauritania and a return/onward ticket in the online form; you may be asked to show evidence on arrival.
  • Photo specification: upload a recent passport-style photo as part of the online application; JPEG or PNG format, minimum 600x600 pixels, white background, file size typically under 2 MB.
  • Biometrics: not required to submit in-person biometrics for the e-Visa; a digital photo is captured during the online application; on arrival, standard passport controls may apply.
  • Travel health insurance: not mandatory, but recommended to have travel medical insurance for the duration of your stay.

Visa types

  • Tourist e-Visa (e-Visa touristique): Official name Tourist e-Visa; Validity generally 30 days from first entry; Max stay up to 30 days; Single entry; approximate fee USD 60–70 (MRU 20,000–25,000).
  • Business e-Visa (e-Visa d'affaires): Official name Business e-Visa; Validity generally 30 days from first entry; Max stay up to 30 days; Single entry; approximate fee USD 75–90 (MRU 25,000–30,000).
  • Student visa: Not issued via the e-Visa portal; requires embassy/consular processing with Mauritania; not part of the e-Visa program.
  • Work visa: Not issued via the e-Visa portal; requires embassy/consular processing with Mauritania; not part of the e-Visa program.
  • Other long-stay or multi-entry visas: Generally handled through Mauritania’s diplomatic missions and are not available through the online e-Visa system.

How to apply online

  • How to apply online: open the official portal at https://www.mauritania.mr/ and create an account.
  • Steps:
  • 1) Choose the e-Visa category (Tourist or Business).
  • 2) Complete the online application form with personal data, passport details, travel plans and purpose of visit.
  • 3) Upload required documents: scanned passport data page, recent photo, hotel or accommodation details, proof of onward/return ticket, and any invitation letter (for business).
  • 4) Upload health certificates if requested (e.g., yellow fever certificate if coming from a yellow-fever area).
  • 5) Pay the online visa fee with a credit or debit card (the portal will display USD amounts and may show local MRU equivalents).
  • 6) Submit the application and wait for processing; you will receive the decision by email.
  • 7) If approved, print the e-Visa authorization and carry it with your passport to border control; immigration will verify at entry.
  • Processing time: typically 3–5 business days; allow extra time during peak periods; expedited processing is generally not advertised by the official portal.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (local currency and approximate USD):
  • Tourist e-Visa: MRU 20,000–25,000 (approx USD 60–70).
  • Business e-Visa: MRU 25,000–30,000 (approx USD 75–90).
  • VFS/BLS service fees: not applicable for Mauritania e-Visas; no separate outsourcing service is required.
  • Total cost estimate: the main cost is the visa fee (no major additional service charges advertised by the official portal).
  • Standard processing time: 3–5 business days.
  • Express/priority option: not publicly advertised; check the official portal for any updates or changes.

Tips for United States travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: start the online e-Visa application at least 5–7 business days before travel; 3–5 days is the minimum typical processing time.
  • Common rejection reasons for US applicants: passport validity less than 6 months, insufficient funds evidence (if requested), mismatched travel plans or purpose, incomplete or blurry document uploads, photo that does not meet the required specs, or inconsistencies between the application and uploaded documents.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Mauritania uses the official online e-Visa portal; there is no required VFS/BLS step for US applicants; beware of third-party agents promising guaranteed approvals or speeding for fees.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: check the U.S. Department of State travel advisory for Mauritania before travel and ensure you have up-to-date contact information for your country's embassy or consulate.
  • Extension options inside Mauritania: extensions may be possible by contacting Mauritanian immigration authorities before your visa or e-Visa expires; extensions are evaluated case-by-case and may require leaving Mauritania and re-entering or applying for an extension at a local immigration office.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.